January 28, 2009

Reporters Notebooks

Stephanie Smith, CNN: Using techniques that can be administered only after a patient has died, doctors have now identified how the brain is damaged by a concussion, an injury often sustained by football players. Damage affects the parts of the brain that control emotion, rage, hypersexuality and even breathing.

Jay Drew, Salt Lake Tribune: At least two Brigham Young players are being investigated for violating the school's honor code. Freshman safety Shiloah Te'o and freshman receiver O'Neill Chambers were reportedly involved in at least one off-campus get-together where alcohol was present and available, a violation of the code.

Andrew Carter, Orlando Sentinel: Florida State athletic director Randy Spetman said the university and coach Bobby Bowden had agreed "in principle" to a one-year contract extension.

Edward Aschoff, Gainesville Sun: Florida freshman tailback and track and field sprinter Jeffrey Demps will miss the remainder of the indoor track season after undergoing surgery to repair the left abductor release in his groin. He is expected to make a full recovery and should compete during the outdoor track season and spring football practices, which both begin in March.

Ned Seaton, Manhattan Mercury: Kansas State is suing former assistant coaches Tim Tibesar, Warren Ruggiero and Cornell Jackson, saying that they are asking for money that they aren't owed. "There is a disagreement about the interpretation of their employment contracts," Jaqueline R. Butler of the university's legal office said in a written statement.

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times: How the buddy system works in recruiting. Teams sometimes will take a lesser player in the hopes of attracting a star as part of the package.

Berry Tramel, Oklahoman: It’s time for college football to end its collusion with the NFL, to the detriment of the players it is supposed to protect. The NCAA should not strip the eligibility from players who declare for the NFL draft or even players who are drafted. A player should lose their eligibility only when they sign with an agent or sign with a pro franchise.

Alan Schmadtke, On Campus: There are increasing signs the major renovation of the Citrus Bowl is in deep trouble.

Mel Bracht, Oklahoman: Former Oklahoma quarterback and KWTV sports director Dean Blevins is hospitalized in the intensive care unit at OU Medical Center after slipping on ice outside his home and hitting his head.